Smart windows devised by fine-tuning properties of “Polymer Network Liquid Crystals” (PNLCs) device by adding tiny flakes of a nanomaterial, hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) can bring down the load on air conditioners by controlling infra-red light.
In the quest for more energy-efficient homes and devices, controlling how materials interact with light, especially invisible infrared (IR) radiation, is crucial. Infrared light, while essential for life on Earth, can also contribute to unwanted heat, increasing the need for air conditioning and the associated energy consumption. Scientists are constantly seeking innovative ways to manage this radiation.
A research team at the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS), Bengaluru, an autonomous institute of Department of Science and Technology (DST) has brought fascinating new insights in this direction. Their recent work explores how to fine-tune the properties of “Polymer Network Liquid Crystals” (PNLCs) device, using an optimized composite of polymers and liquid crystals, by adding tiny flakes of a nanomaterial, hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN).
Their research highlights two key ways to control the amount of IR light scattered by these materials through nano-level modification of the formed network. In the absence of h-BN, the system forms a course, bead-like network resulting in very little IR scattering and hence essentially no electrical control over. On the other hand, crafted incorporation of h-BN nanoflakes leads to a smooth and continuous network.